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Dallas-Fort Worth Workers Busted by Feds in ‘Meth Trafficking’ Sting

Ten airline workers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were persuaded to smuggle a substance they believed was methamphetamine across the U.S. on commercial flights as part of an FBI sting, prosecutors have alleged.

The 10 were charged Monday on a count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, reports theDallas Morning News.

Seven of those arrested worked for Envoy Air, a regional carrier owned by American Airlines, while two others were employees for Spirit Airlines.

A source familiar with the case told CBS News that most of the suspects worked as baggage handlers.

Authorities allege that two defendants met with an undercover officer in 2016 and obtained a substance they believed was methamphetamine.

The pair allegedly used their positions to bypass airport security, and smuggled the fake meth on flights, transporting 145 pounds of the substance to destinations including Newark, New Jersey, as well as Phoenix and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The group is alleged to have accepted payment for transporting the substance, and according to investigators members acted as “look outs” for each other.

Defendants also allegedly offered to smuggle firearms and, for a higher price, one even volunteered to smuggle explosives on flights, according to the indictment unsealed Tuesday.

No actual drugs, firearms or explosives were smuggled onto flights as part of the investigation, authorities confirmed.

"At American and Envoy Air, we have an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our customers and team members," American Airlines told media outlets in a statement. "We take this matter very seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation."

A Spirit spokesman quoted by Dallas News said the airline "has been advised of this matter and will cooperate fully with law enforcement."